I hope you guys like this one. I know it took a little while to get online but now that I have a new PC I am hoping to get back into the swing of things. Let me know what you think.
Chapter Forty-Two
"Bringing Home Jesse"
"Alright Idril, you heard Larien," Jesse said encouragingly as she wiped her friend's sweaty brow, "One more good push and you will be done, and you'll be able to hold that baby." Helping the other elleth to lean forward, she rubbed soothing circles on her back and looked to Rúmil's newly betrothed, Lórwyn and said, "Prepare some water to bath the baby and Idril with." It was no sooner that she had spoken that the strong lusty cry of a newborn split the air. "Rest now Idril," she soothed the new mother gently, "You did great honey. He is a strong and healthy boy, and may the Valar have mercy on us all, he has his father's dimples." Laughing softly to herself she thought, 'Laurelin will never stand a chance. That boy is most definitely his father's son.'
"I will send Lord Boromir in," Larien said with a smile, "And I will come and check on you both tomarrow afternoon. Rest and get as much sleep as your little one will allow you." Helping Lórwyn and another maid to gather the soiled linens she added, "If all is well tomarrow I will have you move around a bit. If you have any problems do not hesitate to send for me."
Moments later Boromir ran, tripping over his own feet, into the room earning a laughter from Jesse, Idril, and even smothered giggle from the Lady. "My love are you well?" he asked as he fell to his knees at the side of their bed. "I could hear you pain, but they would not let me see you."
Finally understanding what had been going through her friend's mind, Jesse knelt down next to him and said, "Idril is not your mother, Boromir. Idril was in the care of experienced midwives and healers. Your mother was not that fortunate. Toramir's ego would not allow him to send for one of Minas Tirith's experienced midwives. Ioreth most likely could have helped her but Toramir was too arrogant to seek the advice and experience of others. Pride blinded him to all else. Idril though exhausted is perfectly fine." Giving him a hug she changed the subject, "Now receive and name your son, brother of my heart." Once again Jess could not help but notice the irony that arms that could wield a sword with such deadly accuracy could also hold his newborn son with such tenderness.
Tears of joy fell from his eyes as Boromir carefully held his son for the first time. With a watery smile he announced with so much pride that he almost blinded Jesse's empathic abilities, "I name you Ecthelion III, for it is my wish that you shall be blessed with my grandfather's wisdom." Looking to his tired wife he whispered softly, "He is beautiful, my love."
As she and Lady Galadriel were leaving the guest talan that had become the couple's temporary home, Jesse told her friends, "I will come by in the morning to check on you guys and bring you some breakfast. Let me know if you need anything before then. I would suggest you get as much rest as you can. From now on sleep is something you will only get when he decides to let you."
Stepping out onto the porch of the talan the two elleth were greeted by most of the other members of their family, waiting for news. Stepping to look over the railing Jesse realized that the better part of the city was awaiting the happy news. "It is with great joy," the Lady began, raising her voice to be heard by all, "That I may announce the addition of a strong and healthy son to Lord Boromir and Lady Idril's family. They have named him Ecthelion in honor of his father's ancestor." Soon a song of welcome could be heard throughout the city. "This is another example of our peoples renewed spirit. They have hope once more," she said to those gathered on the porch, "The births of so many children in our city has brought light back into our people."
Returning to their home Jesse and Haldir were greeted by the sight of Orophin and Rúmil passed out on the day bed, an elfling sleeping peacefully on each of their chests. "It would appear that my brothers had a busy night as well," Haldir said with a smile as he walked over and picked up Telperion from where he was sleeping soundly against Rúmil's chest.
Picking up Laurelin, Jesse laughed softly, "Poor things look exhausted. Something tells me that the twins had a bit of fun with their uncles." Turning toward their room she suggested, "Lets put these two down and then I will fix us a light snack and some tea. The twins will wake and want to be fed soon so their is no since trying to sleep yet."
Once the twins were resting quietly and the tea was ready, Jesse and Haldir sat at their kitchen table enjoying the chocolate chip cookies that Jesse and Brigid had made the day before. "Now that Ecthelion is here we should probably start planning your return to Imladris. Your Uncle, Boromir, and I have discussed possible travel routes. With the children we must take care in choosing any routes we take," Haldir told her as he took a sip of tea, "I wish to make the journey before it becomes to cold and many of the normal passages through the mountains become blocked with snow."
"Firetooth and Pyre will make the journey with us," she told him as she poured herself more tea, "They wish to give us an aerial escort to ensure that all is well on the journey to Imladris. Once we get there, Pyre will return here and wait with Starfire for their egg to hatch. The three of them will rejoin us when their hatchling is strong enough to make the journey. Taking another cookie from the plate she told him, "Yesterday Larien told me that she wished to make the journey with us. She says she wants to learn from Lord Elrond before he leaves but I think it is more about keeping her mind off of a certain Mirkwood Prince." Carrying the empty plate and cups to the sink she asked, "Would not the easiest route be to go along the Anduin and take the High Pass to Imladris. With the dragons coming we will have added security." The sound of the twins beginning to wake tabled the conversation for the night but the couple agreed that they would talk in the morning.
Summer came and passed within the Golden Wood, and the forest seemed to have been rejuvenated with new life. Often the laughter of children could be throughout the city. Many couples were married that summer, including Rúmil and Lórwyn and Orophin and Ailinel. Some of the young married couples had even begun to start families. Lórwyn was even expecting to deliver Rúmil a son by Laurelin and Telperion's first birthday. News of weddings and babies came from all over Middle Earth. Samwise had taken Rosie Cotton as his bride, Éomer and Lothíriel were married and Rohan welcomed its new queen with open arms, and Éowyn would give Faramir a child by the Winter Solstice.
Fall was fast approaching and with it the time of Jesse and Haldir's departure from Lothlorien. They had decided to leave for Imladris on the last day of August and so on the evening before their departure all of Caras Galadhon was present for a leaving feast to wish their future queen and her family well. Standing up Lady Galadriel looked out over the elves gathered within the dinning hall and began to speak, "Tomarrow morning we will say goodbye to Princess Jessica and her family. With them go all of our blessings and good will. We are sad to see them go, after they have brought so much joy to our wood, but hope that their journey will be swift and peaceful."
That night as she and Haldir lay down in their bed for the last time, Jesse found that she was sad to leave the first home that they had shared as a family. They had made so many wonderful memories in this house. Their twins had been born in that very room. Brigid had come into her powers there.
"We will come back someday, my Love," Haldir soothed as he pulled her against his body and placed a line of kisses from her shoulder to her pointed ear, "Once you are crowned we will have homes in all of the realms. We will live in Lothlórien again, my love." Running his hand up the side of her body, he began to lay kisses against the nape of her neck as he worked at the ties of her gown. Once he managed to gain access he waisted no time in relieving her of the offending scrap of fabric.
Turning in his arms she relented and whispered, her body already vibrating from his touch, "Make love to me, Haldir. We will not have the luxury of a bed for a while and I want my last night in this bed, our bed, to be something to remember."
"As my lady wife commands," he replied with a deep chuckle as he pulled her body under his and their lips met in a fiery kiss. Moving his hands up to massage her breasts, he laughed and kissed her again, and said, "Always as my wife commands."
Dawn came far to early for Jesse, she was reluctant to leave Haldir's arms, but she knew there was still things she needed to do. Leaving her bed she looked down at her little darlings, sleeping peacefully in their cradle and not for the first time she thanked the Valar for all that they had given her. Adjusting their blanket she decided to make sure that they were not forgetting anything while the fire in the cooking stove heated up. By the time the rest of her family began to stir, she had already finished up their packing and made breakfast. Smiling to herself she gave her husband a peck on the cheek as she set the last of the dishes on the table, and helped the still half asleep Brigid into her seat. Soon their entire family, even the Lord and Lady, were gathered around the table enjoying one final meal together as a group. They would not be together again until the day Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn made the journey for Jesse's coronation and the ultimate departure of the Ring Bearers.
Once breakfast was over the Lord and Lady walked with them to where the horses had been prepared for the journey. Unlike most of the trips Jesse had made since her return, this trip with be made with the luxury of tents and a few other comforts for the children. Firetooth and Pyre would wait for them at the edge of the Wood, where there was more room for their large bodies, she remembered when she realized that they were not present. The travelers turned to those they would be leaving behind and said their last goodbyes. Looking around Jesse realized that the whole of the city was present to send them off.
"They are sad to see you go, but know that you shall walk these woods again, as their queen," Galadriel said as she pulled the younger elleth into a motherly hug, "Fear not child, this is not our final parting. You will see me again when the time comes to place Noldor's crown upon your head. You know this. You know your path and I have no doubt that you will be most joyful in your new home. Long have you missed Imladris and now it is time for you to return there. Namárië, my child. May the Valar go with you, where I can not."
Climbing up onto Swiftwind's back she adjusted herself, before reaching down to take Laurelin from her grandfather's arms, and settled the elfling into the sling that she wore across her chest. "Be save daughter of my heart," Tóur said, "You are everything to this family. You are its heart. You have brought new life to this forest, now share it with Imladris."
A lump formed in the young elleth's throat at her father-in-law's words. "Take care of yourself, Adar," she said with a watery smile, "I expect to see you front and center at the coronation. It will be lonely without you and the rest of our family." Seeing Rúmil and Lórwyn walking toward them she told the other elleth, "Do not let these ellon get by with to much, especially that one you married, and when my niece or nephew gets here make sure and give them a cuddle from me."
Once their goodbyes had been said Haldir and Jesse led their family through the forest to the northern fences where the dragons were waiting. They kept their pace light so that Brigid and her horse could keep up easily. That night they would camp along the banks of the River Anduin. They would make their way along the river until they reached the Old Forest Road, Climbing into the Misty Mountains, they would take the High Pass and follow the road down into the protected valley that Lord Elrond Peredhil called home, the first home Jesse knew in Arda, Imladris.
They traveled north along the Great River at a leisurely pace. When they reached the spot where the Gladden River emptied into th Anduin they made camp at the edge of the marsh. Once she was sure that her children were down for the night Jesse joined the others around their central campfire. Accepting a cup of coffee from Boromir she told the others, "We are very close to where Isildur lost the One Ring. Almost an age passed before it was found by a Stoor hobbit named Déagol before he was killed by his friend Sméagol, who fell under the influence of the Ring." Looking toward Boromir she added, " The evil of the Ring turned Sméagol into the creature that followed us from Moria, Gollum."
"It is a sad tale," the Gondorian said thoughtfully as he looked into the crackling fire, "For the Hobbits are a most noble race." Pulling his wife close to him he added, "May the Valar bless Frodo and Sam for destroying that accursed ring. It saddens me that dear Frodo has to suffer so for performing so great a deed. It was the strength of both he and Sam that truly saved us all."
"That ring cost far to many lives," Larien said sadly, "Far to many have been made to suffer for it. I thank the Valar every day for those brave little hobbits," looking around at all of those gathered around her, "Through all of that great horror we have all been blessed to find such great friends and even family."
Smiling across the flames at the young healer that had become a surrogate aunt to her children, Jesse told her, "I could not have said it better myself. Many great and lasting friendships were made by the people of Middle Earth. Alliances that will see us into the future." Leaning into Haldir's side she said, "I know that I can truly consider myself to have been blessed to have found all of you, as my family."
The next morning as they prepared to leave Jesse looked to Brigid and said, "Today we will be crossing the river and I would like you to ride with Uncle Glorfindel. You are not quite ready to make a river crossing on your own. Once we reach the other side, you can ride Stormcloud again." As she spoke she lifted her daughter up onto Asfaloth's back to sit in front of her uncle, "Do exactly what you are told and everything will be fine."
The river crossing went well and though they were all a little wet they decided to take advantage of the sun's warmth and continue their day's ride. It was almost a week when Pyre landed and told them that he had spotted three riders waiting for them where the Old Forest Road crossed the Anduin. Quietly the ladies and children were shuffled to the center of the group and they all cautiously rode forward. Jesse did her best to keep herself close enough to the other ladies and Brigid so that if she needed to she could protect them with her shield.
'Worry not Princess,' Pyre told her within her mind as they drew closer, 'It would seem that some of your friends have decided to join you on your journey.' Soon she could make out the thoughts of the riders and announced, "Relax everyone. Legolas, Gimli, and Lord Oropher have decided to join us."
"You took your sweet time getting your family here, elf," came Gimli's boisterous laugh as he reprimanded Haldir from his usual place behind the Mirkwood Prince, "We have been waiting for the better part of a week. Now where be the Little Lass?"
"I be hewe Unca Gimwe," Brigid replied as she rode forward, coming to a stop next to her father. "I can do magics like Momma now," she added proudly before turning to look at her mother and asking, "Can I show, Momma?" When Jesse nodded her head in approval the toddler looked at the newcomers and said, "Watch, I make wainbow." Closing her small hand into a tight fist she scrunched up her face and slow opened her palm. From the center of her hand a rainbow sprang out and arched to the ground, "See, I makes magics."
"That was wondrous, Penneth," Oropher praised with a smile, "You have truly grown into your gifts, and now you can help your new siblings to master theirs." Turning to Haldir he asked, "We would like to join you in your journey to Imladris, if that is alright? We long for the company of good friends."
Bowing his head in respect for one of her father's dearest friends, Haldir replied, "Join us and welcome. I would like to go a bit further before we make camp for the night but here is a good place to rest for the mid-day meal." Slipping off of his horse gracefully he walked over to Jesse and accepted Telperion so that she could get down from Swiftwind's back. "We have taken a gentle pace for the sake of the little ones, especially Brigid, and carry tents for added comforts, Master Dwarf," the former March Warden defended with a smile as his son yanked happily on one of his warrior braids.
"Congratulations Lad, that is a fine looking elfling you have there," Gimli told him as walked over and looked Telperion over with a critical eye, "Takes after his mother he does." Walking over to Jesse he looked over Laurelin and said, "Lad you better have that bow ready when this one and her sister come of age, she's as beautiful as her mother."
Legolas joined them and looked down upon the elfling in Jesse's arms and said, "Word came to my father's hall bringing news of their birth but it failed to capture the truth of their beauty. Congratulations, my friends they are beautiful." Placing a kiss on Laurelin's smiling little face he told Jesse, "My heart sings to see you again, Jesse."
"It is good to see the three of you as well, Legolas. I have missed you all a great deal and am happy that you will be joining us," she replied hugging him as best she could with an arm full of babbling elfling, "How did you know where to find us?"
"Celeborn mentioned that you would be traveling this way in the letter we received announcing the birth of young Ecthelion. It was not so difficult for my grandson to talk me into the journey," Oropher laughed as he took Laurelin from her mother's arms and kissed her tiny brow, "I wish to help you in your preparations for the coronation, and could not pass up the opportunity to do so."
As she was talking to Oropher, Jesse noticed Legolas and Larien greeting eachother and told the young ellon's grandfather, "If that son of yours does not give them his blessing soon, he will be dealing with me. I have grown very protective of the members of the Fellowship and love them as if they were my own brothers. It breaks my heart to see what Thranduil is doing to his own son." Laughing softly she suggested so that only Oropher could hear her, "I may just have to take a dream walk and pay him a visit. Maybe show him Gimli's elf witch."
Laughing the older ellon told her, "I would dearly enjoy seeing that my dear. My son, I fear has become cold since his lady wife departed for the Undying Lands. He was not so bitter when she was at his side." Shaking his head he watched as his grandson embraced the elleth he loved and continued, "He sees what he can not have in them."
"This has to stop though. Those two were as meant for eachother as Haldir and I were. They are destined for one another. They are a perfect match. Their souls fit together as one. She can only make him a stronger and better leader for your people," she said with conviction, "For out people to endure the ages to come, we must be strong. Legolas has to be strong. It is he that will see the people of Eryn Lasgalen into their future, and he can only do that with Larien at his side." Looking into the eyes of one of her father's greatest friends she finished, "Your son is blind idiot, to do such a thing to his own child."
"Sadly Thranduil has become quite bitter in his old age," Radagast supplied as he joined the pair, "I have no doubt that Jessica will be up to the task of setting him on the proper path." Laughing he added with confidence, "After all what is a crusty old king when you have already faced down the likes of Saruman and the Dark Lord's vile Lieutenant. Even the arrogance of Lothlórien's own March Warden could not stand against her." Laughing he went on to explain, "On our journey to the Golden Wood Gandalf regaled me with tales of our dear Jessica's more colorful adventures. He was most proud."
With the addition of their three newest traveling companions they traveled for three days before the land began to rise into the Misty Mountain Range. As they climbed into the mountains following the path that would lead them to Rivendell, Haldir and Jesse insisted that Brigid once again ride with an adult, this time Radagast. The path narrowed the closer they came to the top of the pass and the riders were forced to travel in single file in most places. With the dragons soaring overhead they were able to keep watch for any signs of the orcs and goblins that had once made the area their home. Luck was with them however and they were able to take the High Pass without any trouble.
When they came to the other side Glorfindel looked over at Jesse and pointed down into the valley where Imladris was laid out before them. "Welcome home Jesse," he told her with a smile as they nudged their horses into motion once more, making their way down the winding path into the city, "Tonight you will fall asleep to the sound of the falls."
As they passed through the gate Jesse felt a sense of Déjà vu as she looked over and noticed Boromir riding next to her. Thinking back she could still remember the first time she had ridden through the gates of Imladris with Boromir at her all that had happened to them since that day. Looking up she noticed that just as they had before Lord Elrond and Erestor were waiting for them at the bottom of the steps, only this time Elladan and Elrohir were standing next to their father. Handing Swiftwind off to a groom, Jesse joined her husband and with their children in their arms they led their group forward to greet the Lord of Imladris.
"Welcome home, Jessica, my dear," the elf lord said with a smile as he looked down at the elleth he had grown to love as one of his own, "My sings to see you again and my halls shall be brighter for your presence. We have greatly missed you." Taking Telperion from her arms he exclaimed, "My home will be most cheerful for the presence of so many beautiful children." Turning to the others he said, "Rooms have been made ready for all of you and a feast will be held tonight in your honor. Servants will make certain that your things are brought in for you." Looking back to Jesse he told her, "Your old room has been made ready for you and I have arranged for the room next to yours to be made into a room for young Brigid. Rest and refresh yourselves and again welcome home my child."
The feast that night was a grand affair and all of Imladris was in attendance to welcome Jesse and Haldir's family. As the meal was coming to a close and everyone made their way into the Hall of Fire, Lindir approached Jesse, with a wide smile and said, "It is good to see you again, Jesse. I have so missed singing with you."
"As have I my friend," she replied with a smile, already knowing what the ellon had in mind, "And I have the perfect song for tonight. I had one of the maids bring my guitar down earlier today." Laughing she looked at the shocked look on his face and said, "Don't look so surprised. I had a feeling you would wish to sing something in honor of the night." Laughing she added, "To be honest so do I. I have missed this valley so much."
The pair walked over to where the other minstrels were preparing for the night and Jesse explained the music she was about to play. Once she was certain she had explained herself enough she picked up her guitar and began to play,
" She sat alone on a bus out of Beaumont
The courage of just 18 years
A penny and quarter were taped to a letter
And momma's goodbye in her ears
She watched as her high school faded behind her
And the house with the white picket fence
Then she read the note that her momma had wrote
Wrapped up with 26 cents
When you get lonely, call me
Anytime at all and I'll be there with you, always
Anywhere at all
There's nothing I've got that I wouldn't give
And money is never enough
Here's a penny for your thoughts
A quarter for the call
And all of your momma's love
A penny and a quarter buys a whole lot of nothing
Taped to an old wrinkled note
And when she didn't have much she had all momma's love
Inside that old envelope
When you get lonely, call me
Anytime at all and I'll be there with you, always
Anywhere at all
There's nothing I've got that I wouldn't give
And money is never enough
Here's a penny for your thoughts
A quarter for the call
And all of your momma's love
Oh its been years since momma's been gone
But when she holds the coins she feels her love just as strong
When you get lonely, call me
Anytime at all and I'll be there with you, always
Anywhere at all
There's nothing I've got that I wouldn't give
And money is never enough
Here's a penny for your thoughts
A quarter for the call
And all of your momma's love
Here's a penny for your thoughts
A quarter for the call
And all of your momma's love"
(26 Cents "Wilkinsons")
That night as she and Haldir lay down to sleep she closed her eyes and listened to the sounds of the falls. It had been over a year since she had last been in Imladris and fell asleep worrying that she would be up to the tasks the Valar had laid out fore her. She could not help but wonder what the Valar in store for her now. Snuggling further into her husbands strong arms she allowed the soothing sounds of the water lull her to sleep, knowing that the next morning would be the start of her journey to the throne.